Mercedes sets dates for 2026 W17 launch and livery reveal

Mercedes has officially locked in the timeline for the debut of its 2026 contender, the W17. The Silver Arrows will opt for a digital-first approach, dropping the livery renders later this month before holding a comprehensive launch event in February to present their new driver lineup and technical direction for the new regulations era.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents a pivotal reset for the grid with radical changes to power unit regulations and active aerodynamics. For Mercedes, maintaining their status as a powerhouse while integrating a rookie driver into the lineup is critical. This launch marks the public start of their campaign to reclaim dominance in this new chapter of Formula 1.

The details:

• Key Dates: The team will release the W17's livery through social media renders on Thursday, January 22. The full car launch event is scheduled for Monday, February 2, available to stream online.
• Driver Lineup: The event will officially welcome the new pairing of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. It will be a significant moment for Antonelli as he steps into the seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton.
• Leadership Presence: Team Principal Toto Wolff and senior technical staff will attend, providing insights into how the team has tackled the complex 2026 regulation changes.
• Academy Progress: In support staff news, Doriane Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy champion, transitions to a Development Driver role. She will focus on mentorship for the next junior driver and contribute to the team's development program at Brackley.

What's next:

Following the launch, the focus shifts immediately to pre-season testing where the real performance of the W17 will be revealed. Fans will be watching closely to see if the radical design concepts rumored at Brackley translate into track pace against Ferrari and Red Bull.